Critical Reading Flashcards

An author uses the phrase 'the clock devoured the hours' in a passage about a stressful exam. What literary device is this?

Answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities (devouring) to a non-human object (the clock).

A passage states: 'While solar energy is abundant, the infrastructure cost remains prohibitive for many rural communities.' What is the author's main point?

Answer: Cost barriers limit solar energy access despite its availability

The author acknowledges solar energy's abundance but highlights cost as a limiting factor for rural areas.

Which context clue best helps you determine the meaning of 'verbose' in: 'His verbose essay used 5,000 words to make a point that needed only 500'?

Answer: The contrast between 5,000 and 500 words

The contrast between the excessive word count used and the smaller number needed signals that 'verbose' means using too many words.

A persuasive article claims, 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste,' but does not identify who the dentists are. This is an example of:

Answer: A vague or unverifiable statistic

Without identifying the survey source or dentists, the statistic cannot be verified and is therefore a weak, vague claim.

Read the sentence: 'The council approved the new park; however, funding remained uncertain.' What is the relationship between the two clauses?

Answer: The second clause contradicts or qualifies the first

'However' signals a contrast—approval was granted, but an obstacle (funding) still exists.

A student reads a passage that presents only arguments in favor of stricter gun laws without acknowledging counterarguments. This passage can best be described as:

Answer: Biased or one-sided

A passage that presents only one side of a debate without acknowledging opposing views is considered biased or one-sided.

The word 'benevolent' most nearly means:

Answer: Generous and kind

'Benevolent' comes from Latin roots meaning 'well-wishing' and describes someone who is kind and generous.